Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are often viewed through the lens of their physical vulnerability to climate change, but their economic vulnerabilities, such as dependence on imported fossil fuels, are equally critical.
Speaking at the Joint BOGA-NDC Partnership Event on the transition away from fossil fuels in NDCs 3.0, Assistant Minister for Public Works and Transport Naisa Tuinaceva called on developed countries to consider both the physical and economic impacts of climate change when providing climate finance.
“The narrative of SIDS leadership often revolves around our vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change,” Mr Tuinaceva said.
“However, it’s crucial to also recognise the economic vulnerabilities stemming from our heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which exposes us to fluctuations in oil and gas markets.”
He highlighted Fiji’s legislative and policy measures aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Fiji’s Climate Change Act (CCA) 2021 mandates bulk fuel sales reporting, the preparation of a Transport Decarbonisation Implementation Strategy, and the decarbonisation of the transport sector by 2050.
The Act also enshrines the country’s net-zero by 2050 target into national law.
“Through our Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0), we has committed to implementing reforms under the CCA 2021 to achieve mitigation objectives, including requiring all fossil fuel importers to report on the type and volume of imports.
“The NDC3.0 reflects findings from the first Global Stocktake at COP28, which called for “deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Tuinaceva said Fiji has also joined the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) as a “Friend” to access technical, policy, and analytical support in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
While BOGA primarily facilitates a managed phase-out of oil and gas, it also serves as a platform to raise global climate ambition and urge major economies to take decisive action.
“Participation in platforms such as BOGA provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment under the Paris Agreement, while underscoring that meaningful progress requires joint action.
“Fiji will continue to advocate for urgent, collective efforts to address the global climate crisis.”
